ZGA STUDIO

Home Improvement & Renovation Professionals , Architects
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ZGA STUDIO

East Melbourne House

This project restored this 1880s terrace house’s dignity and liveliness, informed by the client’s passion for uncompromising modern design and the preservation of history. This house is curated as a living museum for the client’s extensive art and furniture collections.

The renovations and new details introduce a layering of new stories to an already rich canvas. The existing arrangement of rooms was significantly altered. The ‘shoebox rooms’ at the rear of the house were opened up and replaced with coloured wall panelling hiding secret bathrooms; the master bedroom floated up to the attic; and the grand front rooms were reinterpreted as living and entertaining spaces.
Project Year: 2013
Project Cost: $1,000,001 AUD - $1,500,000 AUD
Country: Australia
Postcode: 3002
The heritage facade of the courtyard was modified with steel and glass doors and clean contemporary detailing to achieve a sensitive balance between the historic house and contemporary living.
East Melbourne House
This grand old room was restored and pared back to achieve a simple yet sophisticated elegance. The floorboards were stripped back, new lighting was installed, and the room was repainted. A blend of contemporary and antique furniture and art complements this balance of old and new.
East Melbourne House
The existing kitchen was relocated through the archway with a direct link to the new family kitchen / dining area. The rooms were opened up to the courtyard for a connection to natural light and the garden. A steel and glass door connects the kitchen directly to the outdoors for entertaining.
East Melbourne House
The existing kitchen was relocated through the archway with a direct link to the new family kitchen / dining area. The rooms were opened up to the courtyard for a connection to natural light and the garden. A steel and glass door connects the kitchen directly to the outdoors for entertaining.
East Melbourne House
The clients were forward thinking with a desire to 'age in place' in this house. A glass lift was installed at the junction of the entry hall and kitchen / family dining, to allow access to the upper levels of the house. The glass lift looks out to the courtyard to maximise natural light and...
East Melbourne House
Coloured doors were added to the hallways at each level for additional privacy and flexibility of useage through this multi-level house. Different colours at each level help to navigate through the house. The sliding doors are shaped to fit around the heritage details of the existing house.
East Melbourne House
The original stair was lightly restored however deliberately retains marks of its rich history. The staircase was painted to reflect light and transform the stairwell into a light-filled space throughout the 4 floors of this heritage house. Coloured sliding doors were inserted to assist in...
East Melbourne House
New bathrooms were located in place of the original 'shoe-box' rooms on the upper levels at the rear of the house. The bathrooms and separate powder rooms are concealed behind secret doors in brightly paneled walls. The colours are intended to be changed over the years like a living canvas.
East Melbourne House
The bathrooms replace original 'shoe-box' bedrooms that were originally designed for servants in this large 1880s terrace house. The new bathrooms were designed to feel like another room of the house, with a level of luxury and relaxation. Floating timber bench seats are located below the basin and...
East Melbourne House
New bathrooms were located in place of the original 'shoe-box' rooms on the upper levels at the rear of the house. The bathrooms and separate powder rooms are concealed behind secret doors in brightly paneled walls. The colours are intended to be changed over the years like a living canvas.
East Melbourne House
The master bedroom was located at the rear of the upper level of this terrace house. The ceiling was lifted and lined in black stained timber. The existing chimney head was exposed in the upper wall. A custom sliding door was added for privacy. The private rear stair was originally for servant use,...
East Melbourne House
The master bedroom was located at the rear of the upper level of this terrace house. The ceiling was lifted and lined in black stained timber. The existing chimney head was exposed in the upper wall. A custom sliding door was added for privacy. The private rear stair was originally for servant use,...
East Melbourne House
An original feature of the 1880s terrace house, this riser is listed as National Trust. A custom sliding door was added for privacy to the room, framing the cupboard like a hidden artwork. The private rear stair was originally for servant use, but leads from the dressing room to the master bedroom...
East Melbourne House
The master bedroom is relocated at the rear of the upper level of this terrace house. The ceiling has been lifted and lined in black stained timber. The existing chimney head is exposed in the upper wall. A custom sliding door was added for privacy. The private rear stair was originally for servant...
East Melbourne House
This ensuite links to the master bedroom beyond. The bath is inset into a timber seat, with storage below. A custom-designed metal cabinet provides storage, as well as displaying favourite objects. The door of the cupboard opens to act as a privacy screen when the bath is in use.
East Melbourne House
The original stair was lightly restored however deliberately retains marks of its rich history. An original skylight was redesigned to allow natural light into the house, reflected down the 4 levels of the house via the painted staircase.
East Melbourne House
The heritage facade of the courtyard was modified with steel and glass doors and clean contemporary detailing to achieve a sensitive balance between the historic house and contemporary living. The deck was added to soften the space, and the trellis fence designed as a frame for greenery to grow up...
East Melbourne House
The heritage facade of the courtyard was modified with steel and glass doors and windows and clean contemporary detailing to achieve a sensitive balance between the historic house and contemporary living. A metal planter box was designed to sit above the existing bluestone window sill.
East Melbourne House